“The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is to give your gift away.” (David Viscott) What is your gift to give?

Depends on which level.. on one, to teach and mentor, particularly to those younger. On another, to love and care for others, human and animal. And finally, my words.. they are powerful, and I really miss writing poetry, as I haven’t done so regularly for years. I have been working to get more into writing journals and blogs lately.

I have allowed myself to consider myself beautiful, consistently in spite of my size. I keep working on feeling beautiful and happy with myself. It’s a struggle, particularly with the ingrained lessons that “if you’re fat, then you can’t be beautiful and no one will love you” that I grew up with from my mother. Otherwise, for others, I still have the same ideas of beauty.. at all sizes. 🙂

As you reflect back on the happenings of 2013, what were your high points and what were your low points? What do you notice as you look back on the year as a whole?

Changes, changes, changes. I fell in love. I became certified as a teacher in Alaska. I left my job in Salem, Oregon teaching to move to Alaska. I became engaged. I didn’t get two teaching jobs I interviewed for, but out of that blossomed a regular building sub position. The third interview was the charm, and I’m starting teaching 8th Grade Language Arts and Science on Monday. More good than bad. Let’s hope that trend continues for 2014!

Encapsulate the year 2013 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word.

Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2014 for you?

2013

New. It was a year of new beginnings in every way.

2014

Abundant. I want to feel life’s abundance. I want my soul to be full to the brim. I want my relationship with my fiance to continue to blossom and grow. I want new friendships to find me. I want our family to grow. I want to be a teacher again next fall.